The Former Montgomery County Fairgrounds Prior To Demolition And OnMain Revitalization

February 16, 2017

In 2017 I had the opportunity to photograph the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio. Below are photos of the grandstands and horse racing track that is no longer in use. Everything is still very well maintained, and hopefully, the University of Dayton and Premier Health treat the property well. One place that I hated as a child, the Coliseum, was completely empty. I used to be forced to watch my sister do 4H there, and I was so bored as a kid. This time, going underground into the dirty, musty locker room was incredibly cool. This is where the University of Dayton men’s basketball team once played, many decades ago.

onMain’s Future

Shortly after I photographed this property, Premier and UD demolished everything except the 1874 roundhouse. Leaving this intact was part of the deal to purchase this property. Check out my other Dayton commercial photography. To see what the new Fairgrounds looks like, click here.

Montgomery County Fairgrounds Past

The Montgomery County Ohio Fairgrounds, located in the heart of downtown, was a vibrant and bustling hub of activity at certain times of year. As one of the premier event venues in the region, it offered a diverse range of experiences for both locals and visitors. From thrilling amusement rides to agricultural displays, there was something for everyone at the fairgrounds. The spacious outdoor grounds provided the perfect setting for concerts, festivals, and large-scale events, while the indoor facilities offered a versatile but antiquated space for trade shows, exhibits, and community gatherings. With its central location, the fairgrounds were easily accessible and contributed to the vibrant energy of downtown and Montgomery County.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Show was periodically held here as well as Montgomery County Fairgrounds events. I remember seeing ads for tractor pulls as well.

Current Status Of The Former Fairgrounds In Dayton

The University of Dayton and Premiere Health now own this property. As of November 2023, no redevelopment has been started. Also, check out The Montgomery County Administration Building Night Photos And The Great Miami River.